Report: Launch of the Orkney Japan Association

April 12, 2019

On 29th March, in Scotland’s Northern Isles, Orkney, the inauguration of the Orkney Japan Association took place. The Association was established by its chair, Liam McArthur MSP, and Vice-chairs Ms Ruta Noreika and Mrs Yuka Johnston.

Joining in with the association’s establishment, children from the surrounding smaller islands flew over for the ‘Peedie Isles Rugby Festival’. After several matches the children were also able to learn about various aspects of Japanese culture. As Scotland’s National Rugby team’s official base-camp is being hosted by the city of Nagasaki for the Ruby World Cup 2019, the Chair of the Nagasaki Rugby Football Union, Mr Masao Eto attended the event. Mr Eto was joined by the Director General of the Japan Foundation in London, Mr Eiji Taguchi and the Consul General.

Later, the Consul General gave an address at a business meeting held by Orkney Islands Council to Orkney to explore economic opportunities, which was followed by a reception at the local distillery, to honour the OJA’s establishment. After opening addresses from Liam McArthur and the Consul General, Council Convener Harvey Johnston led a congratulatory toast.

Since 2014 Orkney has been incorporating Japanese language learning in Primary schools. The island continues to be key player in collaborating with Japan in the field of tidal power. Orkney-made Viking goods, denim and apparel are popular in Japan.
On 29th March, In Scotland’s Northern Isles, Orkney, the inauguration of the Orkney Japan Association took place. The Association’s was established by its chair, Liam McArthur MSP, and Vice-chairs Ms Ruta Noreika and Mrs Yuka Johnston.

Joining in with the association’s establishment, children from the surrounding smaller islands flew over for the ‘Peedie Isles Rugby Festival’. After several matches the children were also able to learn about various aspects of Japanese culture. As Scotland’s National Rugby team’s official base-camp is being hosted by the city of Nagasaki for the Ruby World Cup 2019, the Chair of the Nagasaki Rugby Football Union, Mr Masao Eto attended the event. Mr Eto was joined by the Director General of the Japan Foundation in London, Mr Eiji Taguchi and the Consul General.

Later, the Consul General gave an address at a business meeting held by Orkney Islands Council to Orkney to explore economic opportunities, which was followed by a reception at the local distillery, to honour the OJA’s establishment. After opening addresses from Liam McArthur and the Consul General, Council Convener Harvey Johnston led a congratulatory toast.

Since 2014 Orkney has been incorporating Japanese language learning in Primary schools. The island continues to be key player in collaborating with Japan in the field of tidal power. Orkney-made Viking goods, denim and apparel are popular in Japan.